Chapter 2 What a jerk

The first night at Maya's house felt like breathing after drowning.

Savannah lay on the couch-freshly cleaned, draped in a soft throw blanket-and stared at the ceiling fan as it spun lazily overhead. It wasn't much, but it was more than she had the day before. Maya had gone all out-fluffed pillows, cooked spaghetti, and even set out a toothbrush with a note that said, You're not a guest. You're home.

In the days that followed, Savannah tried her best to keep from spiraling.

She applied for every job she could find. Admin work. Assistant roles. Receptionist. Data entry. Nothing glamorous, nothing stable-just anything that would keep her afloat. Each morning started with coffee, a laptop, and job boards. Each night ended with silence.

Maya came home from work every evening with a smile and a "How'd it go?" and Savannah always answered, "Still trying." She didn't let Maya see the emails that said, We regret to inform you... or the applications that were never even viewed.

By the fifth day, Savannah was starting to lose hope.

That's when she saw it.

Ashford Enterprises – Executive Assistant to the CEO

Salary: Competitive. Full-time. Immediate opening.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard.

Ashford Enterprises was legendary-family-owned, globally influential, and synonymous with old money. Everyone knew the Ashfords. Especially Liam Ashford-the reckless, charming heir who'd made more tabloid headlines than business moves.

She hesitated, wondering if she had a shot.

But then she thought about the eviction notice. About her mom in Spain who still believed her daughter was "doing well." And about the girl she used to be-ambitious, bold, determined.

With a breath, she clicked Apply.

She went to bed that night expecting nothing. That's what made the morning email feel like a punch to the gut.

Subject: Interview Invitation - Ashford Enterprises

Dear Ms. Hart,

We were impressed with your application and would like to invite you for an in-person interview. Please come to our headquarters at 11:00 AM this Friday.

Warm regards,

HR Department

Ashford Enterprises

Savannah let out a scream.

Maya nearly dropped her toast. "What? What happened? Did someone die?"

Savannah spun the laptop around, eyes wide with disbelief. "Look!"

Maya gasped, grabbed the screen, and squealed, "No freaking way! Ashford Enterprises?! That's huge!"

"I know! I thought it was a long shot. A stupid one."

Maya threw her arms around her. "I told you something good would come. Girl, you're going to kill it!"

Savannah felt the tears prick again-but this time, they were happy.

Later that evening, Maya insisted they celebrate. She dragged Savannah out for dinner-nothing fancy, just a local restaurant they both loved, tucked into the corner of a quiet street with fairy lights in the windows and handwritten menus.

Savannah hesitated to order more than a salad.

"You're not just ordering that," Maya said, frowning. "Come on. Don't do that thing where you act like I'm your landlord."

"You're already housing me for free, May. I don't want to take advantage-"

"You're my best friend. Let me do this. Let me celebrate you."

Savannah finally smiled. "Okay. Fine. But I'm getting the cheapest pasta."

They laughed and clinked water glasses together. For the first time in weeks, the world felt warm again.

Until he walked in.

The doors swung open and heads turned as Liam Ashford strode into the restaurant like it was his personal runway. Tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly magnetic, he was flanked by two women in bodycon dresses and heels too high to be comfortable. Another woman followed, her arm looped around his like she owned a piece of him.

Savannah froze mid-bite.

"Is that-" she whispered.

Maya leaned in. "Liam Ashford. Speak of the devil."

Savannah blinked. "I thought he was supposed to be some golden boy."

"He is. To rich people. To everyone else, he's a spoiled brat with too much charm and too little self-awareness."

Savannah watched as he approached the counter, gesturing with sharp movements. The manager approached him nervously, clearly flustered.

"What do you mean you're out of the Wagyu?" Liam's voice rose. "You call this a five-star experience? This is unacceptable!"

The staff fumbled with explanations. Liam didn't care. His voice got louder. More aggressive.

"You people can't run a damn kitchen. Do you even know who I am?"

The room went quiet.

Maya muttered under her breath, "What a jerk."

Savannah's fingers clenched around her fork. She looked around at the staff's strained faces. The manager looked mortified. One server looked close to tears. People were starting to leave-couples hurrying up from their seats, asking for their bills early.

And something inside Savannah snapped.

She banged her hand on the table.

The sound echoed like a whip crack.

All eyes turned. Including his.

Savannah stood, eyes locked on Liam with disgust. "Some of us are trying to enjoy dinner without being screamed at like we're in a courtroom drama. Maybe if you hate the service so much, you should eat somewhere your ego fits through the door."

A stunned silence fell.

Liam's brows arched in disbelief.

But Savannah didn't give him time to respond. She grabbed her bag, looked at Maya, and said, "Let's go."

Maya, trying not to laugh, followed instantly.

They walked out the door without another word, leaving Liam Ashford staring after them, speechless for once in his life.

And just like that, Savannah Hart made an impression on the one man she didn't know she'd soon be working for.

TBC....